LIVE MUSIC IN CARE – the report

From 2015-17, we surveyed the many creative ways that older people engage with music, and explored why the majority of care homes do not regularly offer this opportunity. We found a wealth of evidence supporting the use of music for older people, particularly for those living with dementia. However, we also found there was limited evidence available about how music programmes can impact on a whole care home.

So, from June 2017 to August 2018, Live Music Now and the University of Winchester worked in partnership with MHA (Methodist Homes) and The Orders of St John Care Trust to investigate the impact of music on residents, staff and the general care home environment. This has led to the report “LIVE MUSIC IN CARE” – which was published during the week of 12 November 2018 at the National Care Forum and Care England conferences.

We found compelling evidence that music could be embedded within care homes, led by care staff, leading to tremendously positive results for older residents and care teams. As a result, we have made several Recommendations, including the following:

“Carefully delivered music can provide significant benefits for older people, care staff and care settings, contributing to person-centred care. We recommend that regular participatory music programmes be considered essential for all UK care homes.”

There is a short 4-page version of the report, and a full academic report, both of which can be downloaded by clicking on the images below. Appendices to the full report can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.